Screen diva Stephanie Linus celebrates 44th birthday

Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Stephanie Linus, formerly known as Stephanie Okereke, is celebrating her 44th birthday.

Born on Oct. 2, 1982, Linus shared a birthday message on Instagram, expressing gratitude for life, growth and her journey so far.

She wrote: “Today, I celebrate life.

“Not just another year, but every experience that has shaped me. The beautiful moments, the difficult ones, the prayers answered, the prayers that made me wait, the doors that opened and even the ones that didn’t”.

The actress added, “My heart is full, my faith is strong. I step into this new year with gratitude, purpose, joy and great expectations”.

Linus has spent more than two decades in the Nigerian film industry as an actress, filmmaker and model.

She gained recognition for her roles in films such as “Through the Glass”, which she produced and starred in, and “Dry”, which she wrote, produced and directed.

“Dry”, which focused on obstetric fistula and child marriage, reflected her interest in using filmmaking to address social issues.

Linus began acting as a teenager and later studied English and Literary Studies at the University of Calabar.

She subsequently trained in filmmaking at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, United States.

Beyond filmmaking, she founded the Extended Hands Foundation, which raises awareness and supports women affected by obstetric fistula.

The actress was honoured by the Nigerian Government with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011 for her contributions to the film industry.